AWAKENING SELF NEWSLETTER — Feb. 2005

1) Announcements
2) Yoga of the Seasons: Cleanse and Renew
3) Class, Workshop, and Retreat Schedule
4) This month's article - "Written a Love Letter Lately?" by Michael J. Montegut
5) Spiritual Quotes

1) Announcements

In honor of Valentine's day, I have a guest writer for this month. Michael Montegut's article on Love Letters is quite appropriate. Happy Valentine's Day! May you have an
abudance of love in your life.

WOMEN'S SPRING RENEWAL RETREAT
This year's theme is EXPLORING YOUR WILD WOMAN! Has your yoga practice or your life become a little too tame?
Look for fun and frolic as we celebrate Spring together and get a little wild! Yoga classes by day and drumming, chanting, and playfulness in new evening programs.
APRIL 22-24, 2005 at Mount Madonna Center. More information HERE
Early bird discount if registered by 3/25; special lower rates for triples and dorm accommodations (bring your friends!)

LEVEL 2 CD IS HERE! A Balanced Yoga Practice, Level 2, is available. A step up in intensity from my level one practice, this audio CD is one hour and fifteen minutes and is a "deep, slow flow". Including longer standing pose sequences, backbends, forward bends and inversions, it again has original music by my friend, Brian Hunter. $16 plus $3.50 shipping charges, or pick one up at a class soon. Special: buy both Level 1 and Level 2 (or 2 CDS of either kind) for $30! More information HERE

CLASSES AT YIY CONTINUE
Tuesdays (Beginners) and Fridays (All Levels) from 9:30-11am at YIY in Mountain View. Look for new classes added to my schedule in the coming months!

YOGA MAMMAS GATHERING ON SUNDAY, 2/27! All mothers of babies, young children, caregivers of children, and expectant mothers who wish to share community, spirituality, yoga philosophy, and natural health and well-being for our
families are welcome to join us.
We'll do some singing and chanting, Baby/Child & Mom Yoga, Satsang (a sharing of mother's wisdom), and potluck dinner! 4pm in Menlo Park (email me if you wish to attend) on Sunday, 2/27.
If you would like to join our email group, please click on this link to find out more:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Yoga_Mammas/

2) Yoga of the Seasons: Cleanse and Renew!

     It's mid-Winter in the northern hemisphere, and even if you are here in sunny California where Spring already appears to have arrived, you may find yourself experiencing a little malaise and sluggishness. Over the Winter season heaviness can settle into the body and mind, leaving you feeling slower, off-balance, and perhaps lacking in some of the energy you may be accustomed to having. Indigestion, too, may be plaguing us, or slow and uncomfortable elimination.

     In Ayurveda, the Indian science of health and well-being and sister science to Yoga, it is said that Winter and early Spring are the best times of year to do a cleansing of the body's toxins that can accummulate during the wintertime. There are many ways that you can explore an internal
purification for all those hard working organs.

      A simple fast can be an excellent way to revitalize the digestive system and clean out any internal waste products. You can observe a complete fast, drinking only warm water, or one that is modified with particular teas, herbs, juices, or even simple foods for one day or several, depending on your constitution. Fasts give the digestive system a rest, which may be working a little bit overtime, especially if we've been indulging in some of those rich and sweet foods through the holidays.

     It's always best to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner or nutrionist to find out what kind of fast is safe and appropriate for you. However, one remedy that Dr. Vasant Lad, from "The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies", suggests for healing indigestion is to drink 1 cup of sweet fresh pineapple juice with a pinch of ginger, a pinch of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon organic sugar. Take this 3 times a day for however long you choose to fast.

      A food that is often recommended for a modified fast or inner cleansing is called Kitchari. This nourishing dish is simple to prepare, high in protein, tridoshic (good for all body types), and also easily digested. Here's a basic Kitchari recipe (there are many variations on this):
take one cup basmati rice, one cup yellow mung beans (soak for a few hours before cooking),
and 6 cups water. Add in some turmeric and bring to a boil, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat and cook on low, covered, until tender.
In a separate pan, melt a tablespoon or so of ghee (clarified butter) and gently cook about one tablespoon of cumin seeds, one teaspoon of turmeric, about 5 cardamom seeds, about one teaspoon of fresh minced ginger, and a pinch of asafoetida in the ghee for a couple minutes.
Add this mixture to the rice and mung, mixing well, and serve.

      A yogic practice that can help cleanse the internal organs and rekindle a sluggish digestive fire is Agni Sara, meaning "cleansing by fire". The easiest variation of Agni Sara is to take your thumb and push it down and into the navel as far as you reasonably can in a pumping action (about one pump per second) for 50-100 rounds. Keep your belly relaxed as you do this, and breathe however it is comfortable. It's recommended to do this practice every morning before yoga poses. You may find things moving through your system more efficiently and smoothly the next day! Obviously, this is to be done on an empty stomach, and should not be performed if you are pregnant or menstruating.

     Pancha Karma, or the "five actions", is a personalized cleansing and rejuvenation program developed over thousands of years by ancient Ayurvedic healers. The next couple of months are the ideal time to be receiving a Pancha Karma treatment. And indeed, it is a treat! Your personalized regime may include receiving different kinds of massage and oil preparations, herbal
formulas, and even yoga and dietary recommendations during the process of Pancha Karma. At times it feels intense and other times you may feel very pampered, but those who experience it usually find that they emerge renewed and revitalized in body, mind, and spirit.

     Winter doesn't have to be a time of just waiting around for Spring. Utilize this time right now to improve your health and well-being by trying out some internal cleansing practices. You'll feel more like tiptoeing-through-the tulips when Spring arrives!

copyright 2005 by Constance L. Habash

For those who live in the San Jose/East Bay/Penninsula areas of Northern California, Prakruti Ayurveda offers excellent and authentic Pancha Karma treatments. Call Sharmila Shankar to schedule one at (408) 368-6985. Her website is http://www.enjoyayurveda.com

To find an Ayurvedic practitioner in your area, check out these websites:
http://www.vedanet.com/Resources_Ayurveda.htm
http://www.ayurvedacollege.com/services/practitioners.htm
http://www.internationalholistictherapiesdirectories.com/Ayurvedainternational.htm

3) Class, Workshop, and Retreat Schedule: Winter/Spring 2005

RETREATS:

WOMEN'S SPRING RENEWAL RETREAT returns! "Exploring Your Wild Woman"
Mark your calendars for: APRIL 22-24, 2005
Mt. Madonna Center, Watsonville
A special time to let loose, play, explore the feminine within, and connect with other women in community.
EARLY BIRD discount (register by 3/25): $255-350,
depending on accommodation; add $30 thereafter
Retreat information and registration form HERE


WORKSHOPS:

CHAKRA YOGA Teacher Training Session
at The Yoga and Movement Center, Walnut Creek
Saturday, February 5th, 12:30-6:30pm
(part of YMC teacher training program)

AYURVEDIC YOGA with YES Teacher Training program
San Jose
Sunday, March 13th, 1:30-5pm

108 SURYA NAMASKARS to celebrate the Spring Equinox!
Come early or late, do 1 or 108, or just sit and meditate!
Monday, March 21st, 7-9am at YIY in Mountain View.
By donation, with refreshments served afterwards.

INTRODUCTION TO SANSKRIT Teacher Training at The Yoga and Movement Center, Walnut Creek
Saturday, May 7th, 12:30-6:30pm
(part of YMC teacher training program)

MONDAYS
2-3:15PM Baby & Mom (pre-crawlers)
Devi Yoga, Menlo Park

TUESDAYS
9:30-11AM Iyengar & Vinyasa, Beginning
YIY, Mountain View

FRIDAYS
9:30-11AM Iyengar & Vinyasa, All Levels
YIY, Mountain View

4) This month's article: "Written a Love Letter Lately?" by Michael J. Montegut

'A LETTER from my love to-day!
Oh, unexpected, dear appeal!'
She struck a happy tear away,
And broke the crimson seal.
 ~John Davidson. 1857-1909    

     Communication is a word we hear often when people talk about improving relationships. We receive voluminous communication from every corner of our lives and from a myriad of sources: e-mail, radio, postal mail, telephone, pagers, FAX, television, cell phones and more every year. A lot of people I speak with think they can't escape contact with those around them. They feel that they do a pretty good job of interacting with others, especially when they have all the fancy, high-tech communication tools.
     
      But in relationships it is the quality of the communication that makes the most difference, not necessarily the quantity or speed of delivery. If you say the same thing, in the same way, over and over every day, your loved ones can become inured to it. This is especially true with the daily "I Love You" that is the staple of most loving, committed relationships. Just because you say it, does not mean that the message was received or perceived as sincere. Sincerity is always at risk with quick and easy forms of communication. It is easy to get into the habit of saying those three words with such ease that it is automatic.

     One of the most powerful and sincerest forms of communication that we see very little of today is letter writing. I am not talking about e-mail or post-its. I mean a real letter that is
written on real paper and dropped in the non-virtual mailbox down the street. Letters take time and thoughtfulness to create.

     But what about the more efficient forms of communication in this technologically advanced age?

     E-mail is easily written and often curt. Since e-mail is meant to allow quick and easy communication we often send messages without careful consideration. Furthermore, when e-mail is received the reader does not pause for a deep look because of the dozen other e-mail they received at the same time. And forget those cutsie e-cards. They serve a purpose. They let someone know you are thinking about them and many times they may make them laugh (which is a good thing.) But in general, e-cards are not an effective delivery system for deep communication. As with paper greeting cards, the message in the e-card is filled out for you most of the time.

     And the phone? Why not that most ubiquitous of 21st century communication tools, the cell phone?

      When you make a phone call you and the person you are talking to can both be doing a handful of other things at the same time, and as a result this form of verbal communication can be poorly thought out and impulsive. Ultimately the phone, especially the cell phone, is meant to be used as a device of convenience. And deep, intimate, carefully considered and sincere communication does not have convenience as the main objective.

    Greeting cards do not count (unless the sender has enclosed a substantial personal note - which is rare). The greeting card industry has capitalized quite successfully on our inability to write from our own hearts, either due to lack of time or a perceived lack of creativity. There are thousands of cards for every imaginable occasion with a heartfelt message already written out for us. All we have to do is sign our name (Even this is falling out of vogue in some circles - I have been given cards by people who do not sign their names so that the receiver can recycle the card and use it on someone else - Yikes!!) Why is it that we need to buy our heartfelt sentiments in sterile, prepackaged form?

     A letter, even a short one, can be symbolic of dedication. It shows commitment because it takes a little more time and care to organize one's thoughts and put them on paper. In addition, the written word is permanent and physical, two things that are a big part of committed relationships. It is a lot harder to deny what we have written than it is to deny what we've said. For instance, if you say you are sorry to someone verbally you can equivocate and feel the person out so that you can alter your message depending on how you think things are going. Most people see through duplicity and equivocation in written form immediately. A letter forces you to state your feelings with permanence and, if you are practiced and take your time, clarity.

     When was the last time you received a letter that was either written or typed out by hand? I am willing to bet that this is an exceedingly uncommon occurrence for most of you.

Please write again soon. Though my own life is filled with activity, letters ncourage
momentary escape into others' lives and I come back to my own with greater contentment.
~ Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey

     The writing of a letter also provides the opportunity to surprise someone. Place it in a location where they will find it at an unusual moment. For example, as they are riding the train to work or about to eat their lunch. Any place where they will discover it and take pause is good. This is also much more romantic than just handing someone note or sending them an e-mail. In fact, if you are in a long distance relationship and normally correspond by e-mail every day, it will be a big and welcome surprise for your partner to get some real mail.

     People often tell me that they do not feel they have any facility with writing and so cannot produce a letter, even a short one. A lot of people simply do not know what to say to their loved ones in a letter. If you think about it, you just have to say how you feel and what you are thinking. No one is completely devoid of feelings and no one has a blank mind (ever). Sometimes people are overwhelmed with many feelings and thoughts. If you find that this is your situation, make a list of the top 3 feelings and thoughts that are swirling around in your head. Then pick one and address it.

      For instance, your top three thoughts or feelings related to your partner might be:
1) You forgot to kiss me good bye this morning.
2) Do you really like that couch we ordered or are you just going along?
3) I really nee some time alone with you, without the kids.

     Even if you say what you feel in plain, simple, language (and this can be the best way most times) this is more than enough to make the point that you care. And the more you write the easier it will be and you will become more proficient at communicating your true feelings to others.

      There is one caveat. Do not use writing as a way of avoiding confrontation or inflicting pain. The "Dear John" letter is a prime example. Remember that just as the written word has the power to spread love, it can also do damage to a relationship. Choose your words wisely and never send a letter written in anger or use the written word as an alternative for something that should clearly be done face- to-face.

I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means.
What I want and what I fear.
~ Joan Didion

      Many therapists and coaches see writing as a powerful form of therapy. Getting everything down on paper clears your head of tumultuous thoughts and emotion. It helps to calm most people. There is even a sense of accomplishment when you have successfully described your feelings or concerns and can see them on paper. This is why journal writing is prescribed by so many therapists.

      You can even write letters to communicate deep feelings that you may not be able to speak of effectively in person at the appropriate time (either because you are unavailable or because
you do not remember the exact feeling you had at the time.) Here is a great idea that I got from a book by Mark and Dianne Button called The Letter Box. The authors suggest that you write letters to your loved ones at important times in their lives and keep the letters tucked away in a small box for your loved ones to open at a later date. For instance, you can write a letter to your child on the day of his birth describing all the joy you are experiencing and what it is like to hold him for the first time. You give this to him when he are 30 years old or perhaps on the occasion of the birth or his first child. Now that's something you can't do with an e-mail!

      Take the time to try this. Commit right now to write your partner or a loved one a personal note expressing your positive feelings toward them. Do it on paper. If a letter is too daunting, then write a couple sentences. If that is too scary, then try just a few words. Just say what you feel, no matter how simple or silly (this is often best). Have faith that it will make their day. Put your letter to them where they will find it unexpectedly or mail it though the regular mail.

      I can guarantee that you will receive a positive response from them. And your letter can keep giving. Because, unlike words that are spoken (and then only a memory), a letter can be reread and experienced over and over. By taking the time to express your love in a permanent and clear form, you will are recommitting to your loved one and to the vitality of your relationship with them.

5) Spiritual Quotes

"If you judge people, you never have time to love them."
~ Mother Teresa

"Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand."
~ Margery Williams, "The Velveteen Rabbit"

Blessings,
Connie

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